Agency :
Distracted by off-field controversies, two-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would be desperate to start the seventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) on a positive note when they take on a revamped Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Friday in Abu Dhabi.
CSK narrowly missed coming under the hammer of the Supreme Court, which allowed them, along with Rajasthan Royals, to take part in the league; and the most successful team IPL team will want to make it count once again.
Chennai’s biggest strength is their resolve, which channels through the team’s two coolants – skipper MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming.
This year, CSK would be without some of their most reliable stars including Michael Hussey and Albie Morkel, after losing them in the players’ auction. But with replacements like the dangerous Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith, along with Faf du Plessis, who they brought back at the auction, Chennai remain one of the strongest squads among the eight teams.
